Missouri legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Missouri HB2262: Creates provisions relating to perinatal care
Status: In committee, May 15, 2026
What the bill says
To amend chapter 191, RSMo, by adding thereto two new sections relating to perinatal care. Section A. Chapter 191, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto two new sections, to be known as sections 191.730 and 191.744, to read as follows: 191.730. 1. For purposes of this section, the following terms mean: (1) "Health care professional", the same meaning given to the term in section 376.1350; (2) "Mental disorder", the same meaning given to the term in section 630.005; (3) "Mental illness", the same meaning given to the term in section 630.005; (4) "Screening tool", a tool or tools designed to screen.
From the introduced text:
To amend chapter 191, RSMo, by adding thereto two new sections relating to perinatal care. Section A. Chapter 191, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto two new sections, to be known as sections 191.730 and 191.744, to read as follows: 191.730. 1. For purposes of this section, the following terms mean: (1) "Health care professional", the same meaning given to the term in section 376.1350; (2) "Mental disorder", the same meaning given to the term in section 630.005; (3) "Mental illness", the same meaning given to the term in section 630.005; (4) "Screening tool", a tool or tools designed to screen pregnant women for mental disorders and mental illnesses. 2. This section applies only to health care professionals who provide maternity health care services. 3. Each health care professional shall, through the use of a validated and evidence-based verbal screening tool, screen for mental disorders and mental illnesses in all pregnant women who are seen by the health care professional as early as practicable at the onset of prenatal care and throughout the pregnancy, including during the first, second, and third trimesters. 4. The department of health and senior services shall establish guidelines for health care professionals treating mental disorders and mental illnesses in pregnancy. The department shall make the guidelines available on its website. EXPLANATION -- Matter enclosed in …